Coalition of groups formed to fight for Olympic wrestling

The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), the National United Wrestling Association for Youth (NUWAY), the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) and USA Wrestling have volunteered to become the first organizations to join the newly created Coalition to Keep Wrestling in the Olympics. These four organizations which have significant wrestling memberships are working together on behalf of the sport.

This new coalition will include any and all organizations who are willing to stand up and work together for a common goal, which is to insure that wrestling remains on the program of the Olympic Games.

This is not an organization of individuals. There are other ways that private citizens can support this cause. This is geared entirely to organized groups willing to publically add themselves to the coalition.

This will be a collection of groups of all sizes, including both non-profit and for-profit organizations, basically any organization which stands behind the effort to keep wrestling in the Olympics.

The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is one of the largest, non-profit, volunteer, sports organizations in the United States. A multi-sport organization, the AAU is dedicated exclusively to the promotion and development of amateur sports and physical fitness programs.

NUWAY is approaching its fifth year as an organization and growing by popular demand across the country. The idealogy and values instilled in this true grassroots organization is to support all state organizations across the country.

The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) is a professional organization dedicated to serve and provide leadership for the advancement of all levels of the sport of wrestling with primary emphasis on scholastic and collegiate wrestling programs. The membership embraces all people who are interested in amateur wrestling.

USA Wrestling is the national governing body for amateur wrestling in the United States, and is a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee and the international wrestling federation FILA. USA Wrestling has a complete program of activities and events for its members who range from beginning athlete all the way through the Olympic Games and World Championships.

"Wrestling has been around in the USA since the 1800's, and has been involved in the Olympic movement since its creation. This sport makes a difference in the lives of young people and has made a lasting impact on our society. We support the effort to keep wrestling in the Olympics, and look forward to helping lead the effort," said AAU President Henry Forrest.

"NUWAY stands behind the effort to Keep Wrestling In The Olympics. As a grassroots organization which serves the wrestling community, we are pledged to do whatever is necessary to keep our great sport in the Olympic movement. We support the mission of the new coalition and will be actively involved in helping us win this battle," said NUWAY Executive Director and President Dave Dean.

"There has never been a more important time in the history of our sport for wrestling to come together. We all want the same thing, keeping wrestling in the Olympic Games. We must all work together to achieve this," said Mike Moyer, Executive Director of the National Wrestling Coaches Association.

"This fight will be won by bringing people together behind a common cause. Our grassroots leadership believes in this effort. We are committed to the combined power of organizations who are willing to work together. Together we are stronger. Together we will reach our goal of keeping wrestling in the Olympics," said USA Wrestling President James Ravannack.

Any group is encouraged to join and be added to the growing list, no matter what its size or purpose. Corporations and business partnerships are encouraged to join. International, national or local non-profit organizations are welcome. Wrestling clubs and booster clubs are invited to be included. Groups which are not involved in wrestling but support the effort can be involved. It does not have to even be a group involved in sports at all. The members of this organization can be from the United States, or from any other nation on earth.

The only requirement to become part of the coalition is to be a group willing to support the strategy which will lead to keeping wrestling on the Olympic program. Each organization must also be willing to provide a small minimum donation, which will be used exclusively on the effort.

The minimum donation suggested for membership in the Coalition for Keeping Wrestling in the Olympics is $100 for national and international organizations, and $25 for local organizations. Obviously, larger donations are encouraged and welcomed.

USA Wrestling will maintain a master list of organizations which have joined the coalition, which will be posted online. On a regular basis, there will be a story published recognizing the new organizations who have made the commitment.

In order to join the coalition, a group must provide a contact name, email address and phone number, which will allow us to network together and execute the strategy.

The donation can be made online:
http://www.KeepWrestlingInTheOlympics.com

The donation can be made by check, made payable to USA Wrestling and mailed to:
USA Wrestling
c/o Coalition to Keep Wrestling in the Olympics
6155 Lehman Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80918

The financial support will help fund all of the actions which together makes for a successful campaign. It will be used directly on projects such as public relations, international communication, research, education, promotional materials, networking and international travel for meetings with the IOC and members of national federations and national Olympic Committees. Additional projects will be developed by the leadership committee for this effort. Coalition membership will help keep this issue in the forefront and allow wrestling to make its case to the world. It will only be used for this project, not other wrestling programs.

COALITION TO KEEP WRESTLING IN THE OLYMPICS
(listed alphabetically as of February 21, 2013)
Amateur Athletic Union (AAU)
National United Wrestling Association for Youth (NUWAY)
National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA)
USA Wrestling